By Ashley Brown Aldine ISD
Texas History Day Student Participants Recognized
Chief Academic Officer Dr. Faviola Cantu recognized several students who participated in the 42nd Annual Texas History Day event on April 11 in Austin.
Students from across Texas competed for the opportunity to advance to National History Day, a yearlong academic competition that encourages students to conduct historical research and present their findings through exhibits, websites, documentaries, performances and papers.
To advance, students were required to place first or second at the campus, district and regional levels before competing at the state contest. This year’s theme, “Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History,” challenged students to analyze pivotal moments that transformed society and inspired lasting change.
Aldine ISD will have three projects represented at the national competition in June at the University of Maryland, College Park, where students will join approximately 3,000 participants from across the United States and overseas.
The following students advanced to nationals: Orlean Antoinette Macalalad of Young Women’s Leadership Academy; Dominic Hernandez, Jonathan Ogendiz, Dante Tamez and Erick Vicente of Hambrick Middle School; and Brielle Howard of Jones Middle School.
Aldine ISD Athletes and Coaches Recognized Executive Director of Athletics Dre Thompson recognized several Aldine ISD student-athletes, teams and coaches for outstanding achievements during the 2025-26 school year.
Multiple athletic teams advanced to district playoffs and regional and state competitions. Aldine ISD athletics programs captured 16 of 20 district championships in District 14-6A.
Aldine High School
Baseball — District 14- 6A champions; Coach Johnny Toups named Co- Coach of the Year
Boys and girls tennis — District 14-6A champions; Coach Floyd Mayne named Coach of the Year
Girls spring tennis — District 14-6A champions and regional qualifiers
Girls golf — District 14- 6A champions and regional qualifiers; Coach George Rhoden
Boys and girls cross country — District 14-6A champions and regional qualifiers; Jacqueline Garcia qualified for state; Coach Kerry Bowie
Girls track and field — Porsha Daniels qualified for state in shot put; Coach Mildred Smith
MacArthur High School
Boys and girls cross country — District 14-6A champions; Coach Patrick James named Coach of the Year
Baseball — District 14- 6A champions; Coach Ryan Dufrene named Coach of the Year
Boys spring tennis — District 14-6A champions; Coach Mike Scurto named Coach of the Year
Girls spring tennis — District 14-6A champions and regional qualifiers; Coach Matthew Geisel
Team tennis — District 14-6A co-champions; Coach Matthew Geisel
Boys and girls soccer — District 14-6A champions and regional qualifiers; Coach Salvador Fernandez
Eisenhower High School
Girls tennis — Regional qualifiers; Coach Jeffrey Brush
Boys cross country — Regional qualifiers; Coach Dan Bui
Boys track — Regional qualifiers; Coach Reginald Durden
Girls track — Regional qualifiers; Coach Krystal Washington
Nimitz High School
Football — District 14-6A co-champions; Coach Cornelius Harmon named Coach of the Year
Girls soccer — District 14-6A champions and regional qualifiers; Coach Kim Borten named Coach of the Year
Girls track — District 14- 6A champions and regional qualifiers; Coach Jarryd Gray named Coach of the Year
Boys track and field — Albert “AJ” Brown qualified for state; Coach Jarryd Gray
Boys golf — Landon Dodd named District 14-6A champion and regional qualifier; Coach Adam Apodaca
Girls golf — Regional qualifiers; Coach Jarryd Gray
Boys cross country — Regional qualifiers; Coach Dennis Brazy
Davis High School
Boys and girls water polo — District 14-6A champions and regional qualifiers; Coach Camillo Orellana named Coach of the Year
Boys and girls swimming — District 14-6A champions and regional qualifiers; Coach Camillo Orellana
Boys soccer — Coach Robert Jones named Coach of the Year
Girls golf — District 14- 6A champions and regional qualifiers; Coach Kavin Green named Coach of the Year
Powerlifting — Nehemiah Jenkins qualified for state; Coach Ray Metoyer named Coach of the Year
Boys track and field — District 14-6A champions and regional qualifiers; Coach Tremayne Evans named Coach of the Year
Team tennis — District 14-6A co-champions and regional qualifiers; Coach Steven Hawkins
Girls cross country — Regional qualifiers; Coach Tramisha McGrew Football — District 14-6A co-champions; Coach Kelvin Cha
Unified Sports
MacArthur High School
basketball placed fourth in the area. The track and field team placed third in the area and sixth at regionals. Coaches: Brandon Morgan and Kelli Hodgkinson.
Nimitz High School basketball placed first in the area and fourth at regionals. The track and field team ranked first in the area, first at regionals and fourth in the state. Coaches: Kendra Venzant, Julie Grutzmacher and Rodney Robinson.
Esports Highlight
Chief Information Officer Adam Galvan recognized the Aldine ISD esports league for its performance at the 2026 TEXSEF Esports State Championship at Baylor University.
This marked the second consecutive year studentathletes from six Aldine campuses competed against 154 schools across Texas. The league secured two top- 10 finishes statewide, with several students placing in their respective tournaments.
Recognition of Students, Staff, and Patrons
Chief Communications Officer Sheila Adams highlighted May events and accomplishments across the district.
Aldine ISD held its Employee Service Awards ceremony, recognizing nearly 300 employees for 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 years of dedicated service to the district.
The Family and Community Engagement Department held its Family and Community University graduation, where 150 parents and caregivers completed the program equipped with knowledge, skills and confidence they can use at home.
The annual Seal of Biliteracy celebration recognized students across multiple grade levels who are developing bilingualism and biliteracy through Aldine ISD multilingual programs.
The district also celebrated the Class of 2026 during graduation season with 11 graduation ceremonies and more than 3,000 graduates.
Aldine Impact Award Winners
The Board of Trustees recognized recipients of the Aldine Impact Award, which honors employees and community members who go above and beyond the call of duty in their respective roles within the district.
Vice President Randy Bates nominated Dana Wiltz-Tillis, inclusion teacher at Eisenhower High School, and Refugio Rodriguez, director of performing arts.
Assistant Board Secretary Angela Williams recognized Danielle Jones, FACE district liaison; Lori Gray, executive assistant to the Assistant Superintendent of Government Relations and Constituent Services; and Alberta Franklin, the energy and utility clerk in the Energy and Utility Department.
Board Member Dr. Viola Garcia nominated Josefina Trevino-Garcia, director of guidance and counseling service in the Student Support Services Department.
Board President Dr. Kimberley Booker recognized Rashad Angel and Glenn Samuels, Aldine ISD police officers; Jeffrey McGowen, Aldine ISD police sergeant; Dr. Kathy Tatum, founder and executive director of Collaborating Voices Foundation; Anaya Matthews, first-grade teacher at Kujawa Elementary School; and Daniela Correa, sixth-grade teacher at Aldine Middle School
Board Action Items Approved
The Board of Trustees approved the following action items:
Minutes from previous meeting(s)
Upcoming professional development opportunities
Clinic affiliation agreement with West Coast University and Aldine ISD for the 2025-26 school year
Administrator contracts for outside services with vendors
Teacher Apprenticeship Center collaborative partner agreement by Dallas College on behalf of the teacher apprenticeship center and the Aldine Independent School District
District educational professional services agreement between Teach for America, Inc. and Aldine ISD
Memorandum agreement between Baylor University and Aldine ISD
Single contracts and purchases for $100,000 and greater
Quarterly Investment Report
Prior to the start of the May 19 board meeting, the Drew Academy LOTC presented the colors and led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance and the Texas Flag and the Stovall Middle School honors band performed.
The next board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 9, at 7 p.m. in the boardroom at the Donaldson Administration Building.
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